Safety in snow sports
FIS rules of behaviour
Piste rules for safe fun in the snow
-
Consideration for others
Every piste user must adapt their behaviour in such a way that they do not endanger, harm or restrict anyone else. -
Control of speed & skiing style
Visibility is mandatory. Speed and skiing style must be adapted to the prevailing conditions of terrain, snow, weather and traffic density. -
Choice of lane
A piste user coming from behind must choose their lane in such a way that people in front of them are not endangered. -
Overtaking
As long as the person being overtaken is given sufficient room to manoeuvre, overtaking is permitted from any side. -
Entering & starting
Before entering a downhill run, before starting off after a stop or before travelling uphill, every piste user must check in all directions whether they are endangering anyone. -
Stopping
It must be possible to stop safely at all times. In narrow or unclear places, this is only permitted in an emergency; such places must be cleared as quickly as possible after a fall. -
Ascent & descent
The edge of the slopes must be used for the ascent or descent on foot. -
Observe the signs
Markings and signals must be observed and adhered to. -
Assistance
In the event of an accident, every piste skier is obliged to provide assistance. -
Identification obligation
Every person on the piste is required to show identification. In the event of an accident, personal details must always be provided, regardless of responsibility or whether you are a witness or a participant.
The FIS (Fédération Internationale de Ski) is the international ski federation based in Oberhofen on Lake Thun in Switzerland. It is responsible for both popular and top-class sport and has issued the 10 FIS Skiing Rules to promote safety in skiing and snowboarding on pistes through consideration. By the way: In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, the FIS ski rules are rules of behaviour but not legal norms.